Chomsky’s wife apologizes for ‘grave mistake’ of Epstein ties

Valeria Chomsky has publicly apologized for her and her husband’s past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling it a “grave mistake.” The statement from the wife of renowned scholar Noam Chomsky was issued amid global scrutiny following the release of thousands of pages related to the Epstein case under a U.S. transparency law.

A relationship built on deception

Valeria Chomsky stated that the couple met Epstein in 2015, where he presented himself as a philanthropist and academic benefactor. She said they were unaware of the full extent of his criminal activities until detailed media reports emerged years later. “We were careless in not thoroughly researching his background. This was a grave mistake,” she wrote, explaining that Epstein manipulated Noam Chomsky’s well-known critiques of “cancel culture” to portray himself as a victim of unfair persecution.

Financial interactions and professional boundaries

The apology detailed limited professional interactions, including academic discussions and meals, and strongly denied any visits to Epstein’s private island or awareness of illegal activities. It also addressed financial contacts: Epstein facilitated a transfer of $270,000 of Chomsky’s own funds for a private matter and sent a $20,000 check for a linguistics project. Valeria Chomsky characterized these as administrative assistance, not donations. The statement expressed clear support for Epstein’s victims, noting, “We recognize the gravity of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and the profound suffering of his victims.”

Context of the apology and ongoing case

Noam Chomsky, 97, suffered a severe stroke in 2023 and is unable to communicate publicly, leaving his wife to issue the statement. The apology highlights the stark contradiction between Chomsky’s lifetime of liberal activism and the association with Epstein. The statement comes after the U.S. Justice Department released a vast trove of documents, including photos and investigative records, as part of the ongoing disclosure related to Epstein’s sex trafficking network. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.